Waterfoot Beach
County Antrim
Waterfoot Beach is a small sandy beach at the village of Waterfoot (An Aird Mhor) at the foot of Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens of Antrim. The beach sits where the Glenariff River meets the sea at the bottom of the spectacular glaciated valley. The Glenariff Forest Park with its famous waterfalls is a short drive inland. The beach faces east across Red Bay and the dramatic Red Bay Castle ruins are visible on the headland above.
No major restrictions confirmed at Waterfoot Beach. Year-round dog access reported. The beach and village are managed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Sand, Shingle
- Tide Notes
- Red Bay. Glenariff River outflow crosses beach. East-facing sheltered bay.
- Facilities
- Village facilities at Waterfoot. Glenariff Forest Park (cafe, waterfall walks). Limited beach facilities. Car park
- Parking
- Car parking at Waterfoot village near the beach
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Waterfoot Beach, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in County AntrimFrequently Asked Questions
Is Waterfoot Beach dog friendly?
Yes, Waterfoot Beach is a dog-friendly spot with a rating of 7/10 on Wildpack Collective. No major restrictions have been confirmed here, so you and your dog should be able to enjoy the small sandy beach and the scenic setting where the Glenariff River meets Red Bay.
Are dogs allowed at Waterfoot Beach year round?
Year-round dog access has been reported at Waterfoot Beach, which is great news if you're planning a visit outside of the busy summer months. The beach is managed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, so it's worth checking with them if you need the latest official guidance.
What should I know before visiting Waterfoot Beach with my dog?
Waterfoot Beach is a small beach with limited facilities on the shore itself, though the nearby village of Waterfoot has some amenities and there's a car park close to the beach. If you're looking to extend your day out, Glenariff Forest Park is a short drive inland and offers a café and famous waterfall walks — a great addition to a dog-friendly day in the area.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk2.5 mi awayGlenariff Forest Park and Waterfall Trail
Northern Ireland
The 'Queen of the Glens' waterfall trail through Glenariff's dramatic gorge with the Ess-na-Larach and Ess-na-Crub waterfalls.
Walk2.8 mi awayGlenariff Forest Park Upper Waterfall Trail
County Antrim
A dog friendly waterfall trail through a lush Antrim glen with cascades, boardwalks, and easy forest tracks.
Beach3.5 mi awayCushendall Beach
County Antrim
A small beach at the Capital of the Glens in Cushendall on the Antrim coast, with traditional pub culture and Glens of Antrim walking connections, and year-round dog access.
Beach4 mi awayCarnlough Beach
County Antrim
A sheltered sandy beach at the Glens of Antrim harbour village of Carnlough, with year-round dog access and the historic Londonderry Arms Hotel in the village.
Walk4.2 mi awayCarnlough to Waterfoot Coastal Walk
County Antrim
A dog friendly paved coast walk linking two harbour villages with sea views the whole way.
Beach4.5 mi awayCushendun Beach
County Antrim
A beautiful sandy cove at the National Trust village of Cushendun with Game of Thrones filming caves nearby, year-round dog access and one of the most photographed settings on the Antrim coast.